Seven Nigerian soldiers were said to have been killed when fighters from the Islamic State of West African Province ISWAP attacked a military base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, seizing weapons and vehicles intended for counter-terrorism operations.
According to YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, the assault occurred around 3 a.m. as the terrorists attacked the Forward Operation Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion, engaging troops in gunfire before cordoning the facility.
This was disclosed by a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who spoke to journalist anonymously.
The source stated that the terrorists captured seven soldiers before killing them at the spot.
He said they seized three gun trucks and at least 50 motorbikes procured by the state government for distribution to hunters and CJTF members.
He added that yhey also destroyed military vehicles during the raid before retreating into the surrounding wastelands.
‘The attackers stormed the base, outgunning troops. After taking control, they looted everything—including the motorbikes meant for operations and set the base ablaze,’ the CJTF member said.
‘Soldiers, hunters, and colleagues fled to Dikwa, but the commanding officer, a lieutenant colonel, and troops remained at the base.’
The attack highlights vulnerabilities of military outposts in Nigeria’s northeast.
At the time of falling this report, the military has not issued a statement for details of the attack.
ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, has increased attacks on military and civilian targets in recent months, exploiting security infrastructure and leveraging equipment.
Local authorities fear the seized motorbikes and trucks could aid ISWAP’s mobility.
